Gh. Eduljee et P. Dyke, AN UPDATED INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL PCDD AND PCDF EMISSION SOURCES IN THE UK, Science of the total environment, 177, 1996, pp. 303-321
This study updates previous estimates of emissions to the UK atmospher
e of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dib
enzofurans (PCDFs). Following a systematic screening of a range of ind
ustrial processes operating in the UK for the potential to release PCD
D/Fs to atmosphere, 23 industrial processes were shortlisted for furth
er consideration as potential emitters. To these processes were added
six non-industrial sources of PCDD/F emissions; domestic coal and wood
combustion, crematoria, traffic, natural fires and accidental fires.
For each shortlisted process emission factors were identified. Emissio
n factors were combined with the quantity of material treated or produ
ced to generate an estimate of the annual quantity of PCDD/Fs released
to atmosphere. The total estimated current emissions to atmosphere ra
nged from 560 to 1100 g I-TEQ year(-1), with industrial processes cont
ributing 535-955 g I-TEQ year(-1), an average of approximately 90% of
the total inventory. Emissions from MSW incineration plants were domin
ant, contributing an average of 70% to the total emissions from indust
rial sources. Emissions from coal combustion, sinter plants, iron and
steel plants, non-ferrous metals operations and incineration of clinic
al waste collectively contributed an average of 25% to total industria
l emissions in roughly equal proportions. The effect of tightening emi
ssion controls was also examined. Assuming a situation when current re
gulations concerning PCDD/F emissions are fully implemented, a reducti
on in emissions from 560-1100 g I-TEQ year(-1) to 110-350 g I-TEQ year
(-1) is envisaged. The largest reduction is effected through the impos
ition of a 1 ng I-TEQ m(-3) emission limit on MSW and clinical waste i
ncinerators: the contribution from these sources falls from the presen
t range of 60-85% to approximately 6-18% of total emissions.